Past Free Webcast – Therapeutic Activities for Older Adults: Lessons Learned from the Global Pandemic – March 10 at noon

Earn 1.00 hr. CEU, pre-approved for Social Workers by BOSW; self-submit other disciplines.
MGS is an approved Continuing Education Resource by the MN Board of Nursing.
(The CEU is free for MGS members; $15 for non-members.)

By: Pamela Hayle, ACC, SFPT, Director of Safety and Quality Support, Cassia Care, Edina, MN

Handout – Therapeutic Activities for Older Adults 3.10.21

When faced with a global pandemic in March of 2020, Activity professionals quickly responded with actions demonstrating creativity and new program modalities that were truly inspiring.  The challenges of this pandemic brought controversy, sometimes lack of resources and overwhelming weariness due to the duration and tragic results experienced by older adults, in care facilities and in the community at large.  The questions we now face are…what have we learned…what needs to change…and how will the provision of Activity Services be transformed because of this disaster.  As we transition to recovery and the “new normal” what will the professional practice of therapeutic activities look like in 2021 and beyond.

Objectives – Participants will be able to:

  1. Discuss key challenges to the provision of Activity Services during the Covid-19 Pandemic
  2. Understand how COVID restrictions have affected meaningful activities and social engagement in both negative and positive ways
  3. Implement practice adaptations from pandemic leanings
  4. Create Activity Services Recovery Plans and practice improvements for the future.

Pamela Hayle, ACC, SFPT, BA degree from Bethel University in St. Paul, MN, Certified Activity Consultant, ACC. Certified Senior Fitness Personal Trainer., SFPT.  Currently serves as the Director of Safety and Quality Support for Cassia Care in Edina, MN.   Primary job duties include, Emergency Preparedness, Safety and Worker’s Compensation Programs, and Corporate Director of Therapeutic Activities in 5 states that include over 50 facilities providing care and services to older adults and others in need.  She is the NAAP state contact for Minnesota and serves as the Minnesota Activity Association Education Chair.  Pamela is also the former Board-Chair for the Vital Aging Network a non-profit dedicated to Active Aging, and encouraging older adults to be engaged in their communities. Pamela has over 40 years’ experience in aging services, and was hired as a “special expert” by CMS to train surveyors on the revised guidance for activities in 2004, and continues to consult with the Minnesota Department of Health on issues related to compliance and activity services.